HT Media’s Loss Increases to Rs 28.17 Crore in the June Quarter

New Delhi, August 5, 2025: HT Media Ltd (NSE: HTMEDIA, BSE: 532662) reported a widened consolidated net loss of ₹28.17 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 (Q1 FY26), a modest improvement from the loss of ₹36.34 crore in the same period last year. Simultaneously, the company’s board approved a strategic equity investment of up to ₹15 crore in its wholly owned subsidiary, Mosaic Media Ventures Pvt Ltd, as part of its digital transformation strategy.

Following the announcement, the shares of the company fell by 2.55%, or ₹0.62 and were trading at ₹23.70, as of 2:30 PM.

Consolidated Financial Performance (Q1FY26)

For the quarter, HT Media’s consolidated revenue from operations rose to ₹412.15 crore, marking an 8.9% year-on-year increase from ₹378.51 crore. However, this represented a 19.8% decline quarter-on-quarter from ₹513.57 crore in Q4 FY25. Total income for the quarter stood at ₹451.45 crore, a 5.7% YoY increase from ₹427.10 crore, but a 23.2% QoQ decrease from ₹588.06 crore. The company’s EBITDA was ₹9.75 crore, showing a strong 32.6% YoY growth from ₹7.35 crore, though it plunged 90.3% from the ₹100.12 crore reported in the preceding quarter. The consolidated net loss was ₹28.17 crore, a 22.5% improvement over the ₹36.34 crore loss in Q1 FY25, and a notable swing from the ₹54.78 crore profit in Q4 FY25. Consequently, the company’s EPS was a loss of ₹0.58, compared to a loss of ₹1.10 in the year-ago period and a profit of ₹1.77 in the previous quarter.

Standalone Performance

On a standalone basis, the company reported revenue from operations of ₹222.10 crore in Q1 FY26, up from ₹208.12 crore in the same quarter last year and down from ₹301.90 crore in Q4 FY25. Total income for the quarter was ₹235.31 crore, compared to ₹239.62 crore in Q1 FY25 and ₹332.76 crore in Q4 FY25. The standalone net loss for Q1 FY26 was ₹12.61 crore, showing a slight improvement from the loss of ₹13.75 crore in the year-ago quarter. This also marked a significant improvement from the loss of ₹47.96 crore reported in Q4 FY25. The standalone EPS was a loss of ₹0.55, compared to a loss of ₹0.59 in Q1 FY25 and a loss of ₹2.07 in Q4 FY25.

Segment-Wise Revenue

An analysis of segment revenue reveals that the Printing & Publishing division remains the primary contributor, generating ₹323.88 crore, a year-on-year increase from ₹298.71 crore, although its profitability was subdued. The Digital segment showed strong growth, with revenue increasing by 21.1% year-on-year to ₹56.48 crore, but it continued to operate at a loss of ₹21.70 crore. Meanwhile, the Radio Broadcast & Entertainment segment recorded a revenue of ₹31.00 crore and posted a loss of ₹14.07 crore.

Investment in Mosaic Media Ventures

The board has greenlit an equity investment of up to ₹15 crore in Mosaic Media Ventures Pvt Ltd. This investment will be carried out by subscribing to 70,588 equity shares at a price of ₹2,125 each, which includes a face value of ₹10 and a premium of ₹2,115. The transaction is expected to be completed in tranches within the next 12 months.

Investment Details:

Mosaic is a subsidiary that focuses on digital content, business research, news analysis, and operates digital media platforms alongside event and industry training verticals.

Regulatory and Financial Metrics

• Outstanding Commercial Papers as of June 30, 2025: ₹265 crore
• Debt-to-Equity Ratio: 0.33
• Interest Coverage Ratio: -0.92
• Operating Margin: -7.17%

Management Commentary

Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson & Editorial Director, stated that the strategic investment in Mosaic is aimed at accelerating the group’s digital transformation and bolstering its content-driven ecosystem.

What Does This Mean For The Investors?

Financial Performance

• HT Media reported a consolidated net loss of ₹28.17 crore in Q1FY26.
• Revenue showed modest year-on-year (YoY) growth but dropped 10% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to ₹403 crore.
• EBITDA fell sharply by 61.5% QoQ to ₹17.39 crore, indicating operational challenges.

Segment-Wise Pressure

• The print business saw a 13% QoQ drop in revenue, and EBITDA turned negative.
• The radio segment posted a loss of ₹6.43 crore, with no significant growth.

Digital Investment Strategy

• HT Media invested ₹15 crore in Mosaic Media Ventures, which owns The Morning Context.
• This marks a strategic push toward digital transformation amid a slowdown in print and radio.

What Should Investors Note?

• The company is under financial pressure with falling margins and losses.
• Digital investments could drive long-term gains, but execution risks remain.
• Investors should watch for improvements in cost control, revenue mix, and digital traction going forward.

Road Ahead For HT Media

HT Media is clearly pivoting towards digital, as traditional print and radio segments face mounting pressure. The ₹15 crore investment in Mosaic Media signals a focus on building digital assets and content-driven platforms. While current losses and falling margins pose concerns, the gradual improvement in YoY performance offers some hope. Success will depend on the execution of its digital strategy and how well it controls costs. Investors should monitor traction in digital revenues and signs of profitability recovery in the coming quarters.

About the Company

HT Media Ltd is a leading and well-established media and publishing company in India, with a legacy spanning several decades. Listed on both the NSE and BSE, the company operates across a diverse portfolio of media verticals. Its flagship brands include the English daily Hindustan Times and the business newspaper Mint, which are key players in the print media landscape. In the broadcast segment, the company owns Fever FM, a popular radio station. To adapt to the evolving digital ecosystem, HT Media has also built a strong presence in the digital space through various properties such as Live Hindustan, Live Mint, HT Auto, and Mint Lounge. The company’s strategy involves leveraging its brand equity from traditional media while investing in digital platforms and content to cater to a modern, multi-platform audience.

REF: https://nsearchives.nseindia.com/corporate/HTMEDIA_05082025134354_HTMLOUTCOME5082025sd.pdf

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